Acquiring hens is an exciting endeavour, but remember, it’s quite overwhelming for them. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
Choose hens that are compatible with each other; avoid mixing bantams with larger breeds.
When collecting your hens, transport them together in a box, dog crate, or cat carrier.
Head directly home; avoid detours to the pub or supermarket.
Maintain a quiet environment in your vehicle, free from loud noises.
Place the box or crate securely in the boot, keeping children away and leaving other pets at home.
Ensure proper ventilation in the car.
Upon arrival, either position the open box or crate in the run or, in larger runs, in the coop.
Allow the hens to exit at their own pace, but ensure they are safely locked in the coop at night.
If introducing new hens to an established flock, temporarily place them in a cool area, providing food and water.
Add them to the coop at dusk.
In the morning, let the hens out and offer food and water.
If integrating with an existing flock, provide extra feeders and drinkers for all hens to access.
For the first week, add a multivitamin/rehydration solution to the drinkers to support their immune systems.
Hold off on free-ranging until the hens reliably return to the coop at dusk.
Anticipate pecking behavior, a natural part of establishing the pecking order. As long as there’s no bloodshed, intervention isn’t necessary.
After 24-48 hours, things typically settle down.
Enjoy your new feathered companions, give them names, and revel in their entertaining antics. While you may have to wait a few weeks for eggs, the thrill of finding that first one never gets old!
